The blog for www.FamilyBandage.com, a website dedicated to providing the resources, assistance, and tools necessary to strengthen family bonds, encourage families to become more active, and help families find ways to save money.

Spring Into Spring of 2013

A lot of North America is still covered in the white stuff, but Spring is officially here. Fortunately, the ground can’t be covered in snow forever. Whether or not it’s still cold where you are, now is a good time to find out what types of things you and your family can do or look forward to doing during one of the prettiest seasons of the year.

Yes, we’re well aware of “Spring cleaning,” but we tend to not be traditional in that sense. We pick up, declutter, and clean up year-round. Easy to accomplish? No, but when you have two quickly-growing, highly-energetic little boys–as we do–it’s necessary…otherwise things just take over.

So we’re looking past Spring cleaning.

There are so many things you and your family can do together, even if you’re not planning on going anywhere for Spring Break. Sometimes it’s best to have a stay-cation and avoid the hustle and crowds of Spring Breakers. There’s a lot going on right where you live, and if by chance you live in the city of ho-hum or don’t like what is taking place in your area, you can still make it a great season.

Scavenger hunts are great, and almost everybody regardless of age enjoys them. For those who can read, write down clues from one location to the next. For those unable to read (such as very young children), take pictures of clues to take them from one place to another. How you end it is up to you. A surprise picnic? A new book? Maybe the car, all packed and ready for a little road trip?

Planting a garden is beneficial in so many ways, and most flowers and edibles need to be planted during the early-to-mid parts of Spring. What’s great is there are as many ways you can plant a garden as there are lessons and benefits. By growing your own vegetables, you can save money and rest assured your produce doesn’t have pesticides and isn’t GMO. Kids can learn so much from gardens, from taking care of something (if you don’t or can’t have a pet) to experiencing first-hand how important and worthwhile it is to have patience. And if you plant flowers, you’ll be amazed at the types of butterflies and birds your garden will attract, and the bees and all of nature will thank you and benefit. Hey–was that a hummingbird?!

Go camping…even if it’s just in your back yard. Many stores are discounting outdoor equipment such as tents and sleeping bags right now because the season for hunters is winding down. You don’t need anything fancy. If you really want to get adventurous, experiment building a tent with a tarp and twine. If you’re thinking about a campfire, however, make sure your area isn’t in a burn ban right now due to drought.

Slow down, literally. Go to the park and feed the fish and ducks. Toss around a flying disk or ball. Draw out some chalk squares for a game of hop scotch. Take advantage of that windy day and go fly a kite. Check out a book about animal tracks from the library and go exploring. Try out a GPS adventure, like geocaching or tourality (you can find out more information about those and others by clicking here). The bottom line is to just get outside. Follow your child’s lead because they’re very curious and adventurous, not necessarily being easily distracted. So when he stops mid-walk to admire an ant mound or bird, don’t hurry him along; join him…and savor that moment.

These are just a few ideas. There are so many, so don’t stop here. We have ideas on Pinterest as well as our website too. Take advantage of this season; it’s a short one. It’s also a sign that we’re already 1/4 of the way through 2013. Where have the days gone? There’s no point in looking back now. Look forward and enjoy Spring with your family.